Best Time to Cross the Nullarbor: Weather and Seasons

You can cross the Nullarbor at any time of year — the Eyre Highway is sealed and open all year round. But the weather changes a lot with the seasons, and between the coast and inland. Here's what to expect each month, and the live weather for the towns along the way.

The short answer

• Autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November) are the most comfortable: warm days and mild nights.
• Winter (June–August) brings cool days and cold nights — but it's the heart of the whale season at the Head of Bight, which runs June to October.
• Summer (December–February) is hot inland. Days over 40°C happen, so plan for the heat, carry extra water and check for fire bans.

Average temperatures along the route

Average daily maximum / minimum, from the Bureau of Meteorology's long-term records. Norseman is inland at the western end; Eucla is on the coast at the WA–SA border; Ceduna is at the eastern end.

Temperatures in °C, rounded. Bureau of Meteorology climate statistics: Norseman Aero (1999–2026), Eucla (1910–2026) and Ceduna AMO (1939–2026).

Season by season

Summer: December to February

Average maximums in the low 30s inland and the mid-to-high 20s on the coast, with hotter days on top. Heat is the main risk: carry several litres of water per person, keep your vehicle's cooling system in good order, and don't leave the car if you break down. Total fire bans can be declared — check Emergency WA and the SA Country Fire Service.

Autumn: March to May

Days ease from the high 20s to the low 20s, and nights cool off — comfortable driving weather.

Winter: June to August

Days around 17–19°C and nights down to 4–8°C. This is when Southern Right Whales calve below the cliffs at the Head of Bight. Pack warm clothes, and book ahead — it's a busy time.

Spring: September to November

Warming days in the 20s and the last of the whale season in September and October. Afternoon winds pick up in spring and early summer.

Rain and wind

The Nullarbor is dry: Norseman, Eucla and Ceduna each average under 300 mm of rain a year, with more of it in winter on the coast. Rain rarely stops travel on the highway, but unsealed tracks off it can become impassable after heavy rain.

Wind is more of a factor. At Eucla, average afternoon winds are strongest from October to January (around 23 km/h) and lightest in late autumn. A strong headwind can use a lot more fuel than you expect — see fuel stops and distances for the longest gaps.

Before you set off

• Check the Bureau of Meteorology warnings for WA and SA.
• Plan each day to finish before dusk — wildlife is most active then, whatever the season.
• Remember the time zones: in summer, South Australia is two and a half hours ahead of Perth.

More Nullarbor planning

• Crossing the Nullarbor: the complete guide
• Nullarbor Links golf course
• EV charging on the Nullarbor
• Free camps and rest areas
• Perth to Adelaide drive
• Melbourne to Perth drive
• Sydney to Perth drive
• Nullarbor fuel stops and distances
• Nullarbor quarantine rules
• How many days to cross the Nullarbor
• Nullarbor time zones
• The 90 Mile Straight
• The Bunda Cliffs
• Towing a caravan across the Nullarbor
• Phone coverage and emergencies

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